'Credible threat' prompts closure of Colony Middle

A 13-year-old student was arrested and charged Thursday after a "credible threat" was made against the school.

Alaska State Troopers responded to Colony Middle School in Palmer around 12:45 p.m. Thursday after school officials notified them of a written threat made toward students and the school.

The investigation revealed a 13-year-old student had written the threat, troopers say. That student was arrested and transported to the Mat-Su Youth Facility and held until the next court hearing.

KTVA obtained a copy of the email Colony Middle School Principal Mary McMahon sent to parents Thursday. It reads:

"This afternoon a student at Colony Middle School made a credible threat of harm. Alaska State Troopers responded and removed the student. Further investigation lead (sic) to the decision to close the school this afternoon until law enforcement and district personnel can sweep the building for any potentially dangerous object. The building will be cleared this evening, and open for school tomorrow morning.

Please know that I will keep you informed of any further developments via Mass Notification. You child's safety is my number one priority, and we are taking extreme measures to ensure there is no risk to students."